CONDITION
Neck Pain & Cervical Radiculopathy
(Pinched Nerve in Neck)
Neck pain can feel like more than stiffness, it may radiate into your shoulder, arm, or hand, causing numbness, tingling, or weakness. This often happens when a nerve in the cervical spine is compressed, a condition called cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the neck). At Silver Pain Centre in Toronto, we provide OHIP-covered consultations and minimally invasive treatments to relieve nerve pain, restore mobility, and help you get back to daily life.
What is Neck Pain & Cervical Radiculopathy?
Neck pain can feel like much more than stiffness. It may radiate into your shoulders, arms, or hands, causing numbness, tingling, or weakness. One common cause is cervical radiculopathy, also known as a pinched nerve in the neck. This happens when a nerve in the cervical spine is compressed or irritated by surrounding structures.
Herniated Disc: The cushioning disc slips or bulges, pressing on a nerve root.
Arthritis & Degenerative Changes: As we age, discs and joints naturally stiffen, and bone spurs can develop, narrowing the space for nerves.
Spinal Stenosis: A gradual narrowing of the spinal canal that can press on multiple nerves at once.
Whiplash or Injury: Sudden trauma can destabilize or inflame the delicate structures of the cervical spine.
Posture & Repetition: Hours spent hunched over phones, computers, or steering wheels create cumulative stress on the neck.
Why Does Neck Pain & Cervical Radiculopathy Occur?
Neck pain doesn’t always come from “sleeping the wrong way.” For many people, it’s a sign that the delicate structures in the cervical spine, discs, nerves, muscles, and joints are under strain or compressed. When this happens, pain can stay localized in the neck or radiate outward into the shoulders, arms, and even hands, creating weakness, numbness, or tingling.
Some of the most common causes and contributing factors include:
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Disc Herniation or Degeneration: The cushioning discs between the vertebrae can bulge or wear down, pressing on nearby nerves. This is one of the most frequent causes of pinched nerves in the neck.
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Arthritis in the Spine: Conditions like osteoarthritis or cervical spondylosis cause bone spurs and inflammation, narrowing the space where nerves travel.
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Poor Posture & Muscle Strain: Hours spent at a desk, looking down at a phone, or straining muscles can lead to chronic tension and misalignment.
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Injury or Whiplash: Trauma from accidents or sudden movement can damage soft tissues and alter the way the cervical spine supports the head.
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Nerve Compression (Radiculopathy): When a nerve exiting the spine is pinched, it doesn’t just cause neck pain, it can radiate pain, numbness, or weakness down the arm and hand.
At Silver Pain Centre, we know that neck pain is more than an inconvenience, it can make simple things like working at a computer, carrying groceries, or sleeping through the night feel impossible. That’s why our team looks beyond temporary relief to uncover the root cause of your pain and design a treatment plan that restores mobility, reduces nerve irritation, and improves your quality of life.
How We Diagnose & Treat at Silver Pain Centre
At Silver Pain Centre, every patient begins with a thorough medical history and physical exam. If needed, advanced imaging helps us rule out structural causes. From there, we create a treatment plan that may include:
Image-guided nerve blocks to target irritated cervical nerves causing neck and arm pain
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for longer-lasting relief by calming overactive pain pathways
Botox (Onabotulinum toxin) injections for neck and shoulder tension contributing to headaches
Medication optimization or tapering to reduce reliance on daily pain medicines
When to Seek Help & How We Can Support You
If neck pain or nerve symptoms (like tingling, weakness, or burning that radiates into the arm) do not improve with rest, physiotherapy, or over-the-counter medications, it’s time to seek specialized care.
At Silver Pain Centre, we provide comprehensive, OHIP-covered consultations designed to help you find lasting relief. Here’s how we make a difference:
Collaborative Care
A team of physicians, surgeons, and pain specialists reviewing your case together.
Fast Access
Advanced Diagnostics
Non-Surgical Options
Targeted therapies before considering surgery.
Interventional pain procedures performed to date
Years of specialized pain management experience
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Patient-reported satisfaction based on post-visit surveys
Image-guided injections performed monthly
Explore Our Full Range of Pain Management Solutions
Learn about our pain management treatments and explore the options available at Silver Pain Centre.
Book A Consultation By Completing A Self-Referral Today!
If you are experiencing sharp neck pain, stiffness, or tingling that radiates into your shoulder or arm, don’t wait. These symptoms may be signs of a pinched nerve. Our physicians and pain specialists at Silver Pain Centre will review your self-referral within 72 hours and guide you through an OHIP-covered consultation — either in person or virtually.